The Classic South African Cookbook

The Classic South African Cookbook is exactly that – classic home cooking for South Africans the way they eat now. In line with the country’s diverse cultures, which often blend more harmoniously in the kitchen than in any other sphere of life, this book is a kaleidoscope of our modern lifestyle with influences from grandma’s kitchen, popular Mediterranean cuisine, as well as both Indian and African culture.

But no matter what your roots may be, this book sets a foundation for good, honest, carefree home cooking, incorporating all the well-loved and familiar favourites. The more than 170 recipes have been refined to guarantee mouth-watering results, no matter your skill level. Only fresh and locally available ingredients are used, while the various techniques are carefully explained – a real boon to those just setting out on their culinary journeys. Best of all, every recipe is accompanied by a full-colour photograph.

Melinda Roodt, along with her husband Gerhard, is a senior pastor at the Delta Community Church in Vereeniging. Melinda is also a public speaker and serves on the boards of a number of charitable organisations working to assist abused women and children, crime victims, orphanages, old age homes and the underprivileged generally. She is also a musician and oversees and directs three bands.

As a seasoned host and organiser of various conferences, catering for a few hundred people at a time, Melinda has run several cooking courses at her home, teaching more than 360 women to cook delicious homemade food. And if all that isn’t enough, she manages her own rusk and biscuit label ‘Mel’s Kitchen’ and undertakes oil painting commissions. In between, this mother of three gardens and rides horses for relaxation.